Dominic Monaghan Celebrates First Day Filming Star Wars: Episode IX

It's still over a year away, but production for Star Wars: Episode IXis in full swing. In addition to returning characters like Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron, the movie has been slowly building up its cast of new characters which include the likes of Keri Russell and Dominic Monaghan, both of whom happen to be veterans of J.J. Abrams TV shows. Virtually nothing is known about either of these roles, but that doesn't mean they can't share any excitement about being in a Star Wars movie. Case in point, Monaghan shared a celebratory pic for his first day of work.

Like the previous Star Wars movies, pretty much nothing is known about Episode IX other than that it will conclude the Skywalker saga. As such, there are no details about Dominic Monaghan's character, or how big of a role it is. He also probably can't talk about it properly for months, but being in a Star Wars movie is cool and exciting, especially if you are already a fan of the franchise as Monaghan seems to be. The actor posted a picture on Instagram celebrating the start of production as the "best job ever." The picture was only of a Darth Vader coffee mug but it's a fun tease all the same.

Star Wars: Episode IX is going to be a reunion of sorts for Monaghan and returning director J.J. Abrams. Abrams co-created the incredibly popular television series Lost, on which Monaghan starred as the drug-addicted, ex-rocker Charlie. Despite a controversial ending, Lost is an iconic show, having captivated audiences week after week with its mysteries and well-liked characters. Abrams wasn't quite as involved as with the entire run of the show as co-creator and co-showrunner Damon Lindelof was, but it should still be fun for Lost fans!

Dominic Monaghan will join other fresh faces in the Star Wars universe such as Keri Russell, Naomi Ackie, and Richard E. Grant. The returning faces include Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Lupita Nyong'o, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Anthony Daniels and Mark Hamill. Billy Dee Williams is also on board to finally reprise his role as Lando Calrissian after Donald Glover played a younger version in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Unused footage of Carrie Fisher from previous Star Wars movies will also be used to conclude Leia's story. J.J. Abrams will direct and he J.J. co-wrote the script with Chris Terrio, while John Williams will return as the composer.

Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters on December 20, 2019, so stay tuned for plenty of more updates. To learn more about the highly anticipated movie, be sure to visit our handy guide right here.